User authentication based on self-selected preferences

ABSTRACT

Embodiments of the invention are directed to a system, method, and a computer program product for a user authentication based on self-selected preferences. The system typically including a memory, a processor, and a module configured to receive a request to execute a user action from a user associated with an application, wherein the user action requires one or more authentication credentials; receive one or more authentication credentials from the user based on a user-selected preference; validate the one or more authentication credentials based on the user-selected preference; and execute the user action based on a successful validation of the one or more authentication credentials

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/968,657, filed on Dec. 14, 2015, which in turn is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/175,688, filed Feb. 7, 2014 of the same title an issuing as U.S. Pat. No. 9,213,814 on Dec. 15, 2015; the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND

Systems and methods for effective authentication have been in great demand to prevent fraud and theft of services. The increase in mobile technology has resulted in a need for accurate identification of users for the purposes of electronic services such as banking services, credit card services, automatic teller machine (ATM) services, account information services such as mortgage, savings, and investment accounts. However, conventional authentication systems typically require a multi-step authentication to enable user access to a financial application for the purposes of checking balance, transferring funds, bill pay, or the like. Such multi-step authentication, although more effective at preventing misrepresentation, may d displease the user, especially if the user accesses banking services frequently. There is a need for personalizing the authentication process.

BRIEF SUMMARY

According to embodiments of the invention, a system for authenticating a user using self-selected preferences is presented, the system comprising: a processor; a memory; a module stored in memory executable by a processor, and configured to cause the processor to receive from a user, a request to execute a user action associated with an application, wherein execution of the user action requires validation of one or more authentication credentials; access a user-selected preference, wherein the user-selected preference comprises a level of authentication desired by the user; determine which one or more authentication types from a plurality of authentication types are associated with the level of authentication associated with the user-selected preference; request one or more authentication credentials corresponding to the determined one or more authentication types; receive one or more authentication credentials from the user; validate the one or more authentication credentials, thereby resulting in a successful validation of the one or more authentication credentials; and in response to the successful validation of the one or more authentication credentials, execute the user action.

In some embodiments, the one or more authentication credentials received from the user and one or more functions associated with the application permitted for user access are positively correlated.

In some embodiments, the user-selected preference comprises a time duration, wherein the time duration is defined by a user selection of a first time stamp and a second time stamp, wherein the first time stamp and the second time stamp define the boundaries of application of the level of authentication.

In some embodiments, the user-selected preference comprises a geographic location, wherein the geographic location is a point within a geographic radius, wherein the geographic radius defines the boundary of application of the level of authentication.

In some embodiments, validating further comprises determining a successful match between the one or more authentication credentials received from the user and the one or more authentication credentials stored in a database, wherein the one or more authentication credentials correspond to the one or more authentication types associated with the level of authentication.

In some embodiments, the one or more authentication levels are associated with at least one of a hard authentication, a soft authentication, and a zero authentication.

In some embodiments, hard authentication comprises enabling a user to access all functions associated with the application based on at least a successful validation of the one or more authentication credentials associated with the user.

In some embodiments, the hard authentication comprises a multi-step verification of at least two authentication types, wherein verification further comprises receiving a user input of at least two authentication credentials.

In some embodiments, the authentication type associated with the multi-step verification is at least one of a username, a password, a personal identification number, or a biometric indicia.

In some embodiments, soft authentication comprises enabling a user to access one or more functions associated with the application based on at least a successful validation of the one or more authentication credentials associated with the user.

In some embodiments, the soft authentication comprises a secondary verification of at least one authentication type, wherein verification further comprises receiving a user input of at least one authentication credential.

In some embodiments, the at least one authentication type associated with the secondary verification comprises at least one of a social media authentication, an internet protocol (IP) based authentication, a fob, or a signed digital certificate.

In some embodiments, the zero authentication comprises restricting the user from access to the application after a predetermined number of authentication attempts to access the application.

In some embodiments, the module is configured to place a provisional flag on the application after exhaustion of a predetermined number of authentication attempts to access the application, wherein placing a provisional flag comprises notifying the user using a secondary means for contact.

In some embodiments, receiving one or more authentication credentials comprises receiving an input from the user.

In some embodiments, the application is associated with a financial institution.

In some embodiments, the user-selected preference is customizable.

In some embodiments, the user action comprises at least one of a funds transfer, viewing an account summary, a deposit, a withdrawal, or viewing a receipt.

In one aspect, the present invention is directed to a method for user authentication based on self-selected preferences, the method comprising: receiving, using a computing device processor, from a user, a request to execute a user action associated with an application, wherein execution of the user action requires validation of one or more authentication credentials; accessing, using a computing device processor, a user-selected preference, wherein the user-selected preference comprises a level of authentication desired by the user; determining, using a computing device processor, which one or more authentication types from a plurality of authentication types are associated with the level of authentication associated with the user-selected preference; requesting, using a computing device processor, one or more authentication credentials corresponding to the determined one or more authentication types; receiving, using a computing device processor, one or more authentication credentials from the user; validating, using a computing device processor, the one or more authentication credentials, thereby resulting in a successful validation of the one or more authentication credentials; and in response to the successful validation of the one or more authentication credentials, executing, using a computing device processor, the user action.

In one aspect, the present invention is directed to a computer program product for user authentication based on self-selected preferences, the computer program product comprising a non-transitory computer-readable medium comprising code causing a first apparatus to: receive from a user, a request to execute a user action associated with an application, wherein execution of the user action requires validation of one or more authentication credentials; access a user-selected preference, wherein the user-selected preference comprises a level of authentication desired by the user; determine which one or more authentication types from a plurality of authentication types are associated with the level of authentication associated with the user-selected preference; request one or more authentication credentials corresponding to the determined one or more authentication types; receive one or more authentication credentials from the user; validate the one or more authentication credentials, thereby resulting in a successful validation of the one or more authentication credentials; and in response to the successful validation of the one or more authentication credentials, execute the user action.

In one aspect, the present invention is directed to a system for self-selected user access based on specific authentication types, the system comprising: a processor; a memory; a module stored in memory executable by a processor, and configured to cause the processor to: receive from a user, a user-selected preference, wherein the user-selected preference comprises one or more authentication types desired by the user; determine a level of authentication from a plurality of levels of authentication are associated with the one or more authentication types associated with the user-selected preference; initiate the presentation of a user interface that enables the user to select one or more application functions, wherein the one or more application functions are associated with the determined level of authentication; receive from a user, a selection of one or more application functions, wherein receiving the selection further comprises receiving a request to execute the selected one or more application functions, wherein execution of the user action requires validation of one or more authentication credentials; request one or more authentication credentials corresponding to the desired one or more authentication types; receive one or more authentication credentials from the user; validate the one or more authentication credentials, thereby resulting in a successful validation of the one or more authentication credentials; and in response to the successful validation of the one or more authentication credentials, execute the selected one or more application functions.

In some embodiments, the user interface enables the user to select one or more application functions associated with the determined level of authentication corresponding to the authentication type desired.

In some embodiments, the user interface enables the user to reset the selected one or more application functions thereby removing restrictions on access to the one or more application functions.

In some embodiments, the user interface enables the user to save the selected one or more application functions for use at a future date.

In some embodiments, the user interface enables the user to acknowledge the selection of one or more application function or cancel the selection of one or more application functions.

In one aspect, the present invention is directed to a method for self-selected user access based on specific authentication types, the method comprising: receiving, using a computing device processor, from a user, a user-selected preference, wherein the user-selected preference comprises one or more authentication types desired by the user; determining, using a computing device processor, a level of authentication from a plurality of levels of authentication are associated with the one or more authentication types associated with the user-selected preference; initiating, using a computing device processor, the presentation of a user interface that enables the user to select one or more application functions, wherein the one or more application functions are associated with the determined level of authentication; receiving, using a computing device processor, from a user, a selection of one or more application functions, wherein receiving the selection further comprises receiving a request to execute the selected one or more application functions, wherein execution of the user action requires validation of one or more authentication credentials; requesting, using a computing device processor, one or more authentication credentials corresponding to the desired one or more authentication types; receiving, using a computing device processor, one or more authentication credentials from the user; validating, using a computing device processor, the one or more authentication credentials, thereby resulting in a successful validation of the one or more authentication credentials; and in response to the successful validation of the one or more authentication credentials, executing, using a computing device processor, the selected one or more application functions.

In another aspect, the present invention is directed to a computer program product for self-selected user access based on specific authentication types, the computer program product comprising a non-transitory computer-readable medium comprising code causing a first apparatus to: receive from a user, a user-selected preference, wherein the user-selected preference comprises one or more authentication types desired by the user; determine a level of authentication from a plurality of levels of authentication are associated with the one or more authentication types associated with the user-selected preference; initiate the presentation of a user interface that enables the user to select one or more application functions, wherein the one or more application functions are associated with the determined level of authentication; receive from a user, a selection of one or more application functions, wherein receiving the selection further comprises receiving a request to execute the selected one or more application functions, wherein execution of the user action requires validation of one or more authentication credentials; request one or more authentication credentials corresponding to the desired one or more authentication types; receive one or more authentication credentials from the user; validate the one or more authentication credentials, thereby resulting in a successful validation of the one or more authentication credentials; and in response to the successful validation of the one or more authentication credentials, execute the selected one or more application functions.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Having thus described embodiments of the invention in general terms, reference will now be made to accompanying drawings, where:

FIG. 1A presents an illustration of the authentication continuum in accordance to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 1B presents an illustration of the application functions permitted continuum in accordance to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 1C presents an illustration of the coupling of the application functions permitted continuum and the levels of authentication continuum in accordance to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 1D presents an illustration of the relationship between the functions permitted and the authentication types in accordance to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 presents an illustration of the network environment in accordance to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3 illustrates a high level process flow for a user authentication based on self-selected preferences in accordance to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4 illustrates a process flow for applying an access level to an application in accordance to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 5 illustrates a process flow for a self-selected user access based on specific authentication types.

FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary user interface for a self-selected user access based on specific authentication types.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the present invention now may be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not all, embodiments of the invention are shown. Indeed, the invention may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure may satisfy applicable legal requirements. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout.

In some embodiments, an “entity” as used herein may be any organization or enterprise that has a collective goal and is linked to an external environment. In some embodiments, an entity may be a business entity, a merchant, or corporation. In some other embodiments, an entity may be a financial institution. A “financial institution” may be defined as any organization, entity, or the like in the business of moving, investing, or lending money, dealing in financial instruments, or providing financial services. This may include commercial banks, thrifts, federal and state savings banks, savings and loan associations, credit unions, investment companies, insurance companies and the like. In some embodiments, the entity may allow a user to establish an account with the entity. An “account” may be the relationship that the user has with the entity. Examples of accounts include a deposit account, such as a transactional account (e.g. a banking account), a savings account, an investment account, a money market account, a time deposit, a demand deposit, a pre-paid account, a credit account, a non-monetary user profile that includes only personal information associated with the user, or the like. The account is associated with and/or maintained by an entity. In other embodiments, an “entity” may not be a financial institution.

As used herein, the “user” may be an account holder or a person who has an account (e.g., banking account, credit account, or the like)), an employee (e.g., an underwriter, a project manager, an IT specialist, a manager, an administrator, an internal operations analyst, or the like).

As used herein, an “application” may be computer software that causes a computer to perform useful tasks beyond the running of the computer itself. A specific instance of such software is called a software application, application program application, or an application. In some embodiments, an application may be a banking application. Typically, a banking application is allowed to interface with commercial entities to connect to other modular software and to the interbank networks. In some embodiments, a banking application may also refer to trading software used by investment banks to access capital markets. In some embodiments, an application may not be a banking application.

User authentication may be required in a variety of situations. For example, a user may be required to authenticate identity for access to an application on a computer system or a mobile device or for access to a particular feature, function or action of an application. Numerous types and levels of user authentication exist. For example, a user may authenticate his or her identity using a unique alias such as a username and/or password. Further, in some situations, challenge questions, familiar pictures and/or phrases, biometrics, key fob-based alphanumeric codes and/or collocation, authentication of another application such as a similar application or an “overarching” application, and/or the like may be used as types of identity authentication.

The different types of authentication may provide differing degrees of confidence regarding the authentication using such types. For example, if a username by itself is used for a first user authentication, and a username along with a password is used for a second authentication, then the second authentication should provide a higher confidence regarding the authentication because of the additional layer of authentication required. Further, within the types of authentication, varying levels of confidence may be used. For example, when using a password, an administrator may require users to create a password according to strict rules designed to increase the security level of the password, and therefore increase the confidence of any authentication using the password.

Accordingly, a continuum of authentication may be used to quantify (or dictate) the levels of authentication. Likewise, a continuum of functions permitted may be used to quantify (or dictate) the number or context in which functions are permitted.

Referring to FIG. 1A, a continuum of authentication 100A is illustrated according to embodiments of the invention. On the left-hand side of the continuum, a “zero authentication” requires no authentication credentials. On the right-hand side of the continuum, a “hard authentication” requires full authentication credentials. This means that it requires the strictest combination of credentials. In between the two extremes, “a soft authentication” requires minimal credentials, moderate credentials or most credentials for various points along the continuum. The continuum generally represents the number of credentials required and/or the relative strength of the credentials required for that point on the continuum. As discussed below with reference to FIG. 1C, the continuum of authentication 100A may be coupled with an application functions permitted continuum 100B, first illustrated in FIG. 1B.

Referring to FIG. 1B, the application functions permitted continuum 100B illustrates various levels of application functions permitted. Functions may refer to what a user is permitted to “see” and/or what the user is permitted to “do”. More specifically, this may refer to whether a specific function is permitted at a certain point on the continuum and/or the context in which a certain function is permitted. The left-hand side of the continuum indicates that no functions are permitted, and the right-hand side of the continuum indicates that all functions are permitted. In between the extremes, minimal functions are permitted, moderate functions are permitted and most functions are permitted. Thus, any given point along the continuum 100B corresponds with a certain amount and/or number of functions that are permitted and/or the context in which certain functions are permitted.

Referring now to FIG. 1C, a diagram 100C illustrates a coupling of the application functions permitted continuum 100B and the levels of authentication continuum 100A. As shown, the continua 100B and 100A may be coupled with one another such that the various points along the continua intersect at specific points of the coupled continuum. For example, one continuum may be moved left or right with respect to the other continuum in order to achieve a different relationship between the functions permitted and the credentials required. Accordingly, for a given coupling, a specific point on continuum 100B provides that a particular function or functions may be permitted given that a specified level of authentication credentials are supplied, as indicated by the corresponding point on continuum 100A. For example, a financial institution and/or a user may arrange the continua 100B and 100A with respect to one another and may adjust the arrangement based on changing desires or goals.

In some embodiments, one or both the continua 100B and 100A may have weighted scales such that, as a point on the continuum is moved, the corresponding functions permitted and/or level of authentication required may change exponentially or otherwise. Furthermore, in various embodiments, other representations of the various functions permitted that correspond with the various levels of authentication may be used by the invention.

Referring now to FIG. 1D, a diagram 100D illustrates a relationship between the functions permitted and the authentication types. As shown in FIG. 1D, the soft authentication continuum between zero authentication and hard authentication may include one or more authentication types (A, B, C in the Figure). In one aspect, the one or more authentication types corresponding to the one or more authentication credentials received from the user and one or more functions associated with the application permitted for user access are positively correlated. For example, a username may enable the user to gain access to checking balance, a username and password may enable the user to gain access to checking balance, funds transfer between the user's first bank account and second bank account, and downloading previous statements, and a username, password and challenge question may enable the user to gain complete access to all the application functions. In one aspect, the user may have to provide authentication credentials corresponding to authentication types A and B to gain access to moderate functions associated with the application. For example, the user may provide a username and password to access a balance check and funds transfer. In another aspect, the user may have to provide authentication credentials corresponding to authentication types A, B, and C to gain access to most function associated with the application. For example, the user may provide a username, password, and a personal identification number to access a balance check, a funds transfer, a deposit, and a bill-pay. In yet another aspect, the user may have to only provide authentication credentials corresponding to authentication type A to gain access to minimal functions associated with the application. For example, the user may provide a username to access a balance check.

Referring now to FIG. 2, a network environment 200 is illustrated in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the network system 208 is operatively coupled, via a network 201 to the mobile device 204 and/or 206. In this configuration, the network system 208 may send information to and receive information from the mobile device devices 204 and/or 206. The network system 208 may be or include one or more network base stations or other network components. FIG. 2 illustrates only one example of an embodiment of a network environment 200, and it will be appreciated that in other embodiments one or more of the systems, devices, or servers may be combined into a single system, device, or server, or be made up of multiple systems, devices, or servers.

The network 201 may be a global area network (GAN), such as the Internet, a wide area network (WAN), a local area network (LAN), a telecommunication network or any other type of network or combination of networks. The network 201 may provide for wireline, wireless, or a combination wireline and wireless communication between devices on the network 201.

In some embodiments, the users 202 and 205 are individuals who maintain cellular products with one or more providers. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the network system 208 generally comprises a communication device 246, a processing device 248, and a memory device 250. As used herein, the term “processing device” generally includes circuitry used for implementing the communication and/or logic functions of the particular system. For example, a processing device may include a digital signal processor device, a microprocessor device, and various analog-to-digital converters, digital-to-analog converters, and other support circuits and/or combinations of the foregoing. Control and signal processing functions of the system are allocated between these processing devices according to their respective capabilities. The processing device may include functionality to operate one or more software programs based on computer-readable instructions thereof, which may be stored in a memory device.

The processing device 248 is operatively coupled to the communication device 246 and the memory device 250. The processing device 248 uses the communication device 246 to communicate with the network 201 and other devices on the network 201. As such, the communication device 246 generally comprises a modem, server, or other device for communicating with other devices on the network 201.

As further illustrated in FIG. 2, the network system 208 comprises computer-readable instructions 254 stored in the memory device 250, which in one embodiment includes the computer-readable instructions 254 of an application 258. In some embodiments, the memory device 250 includes data storage 252 for storing data related to and/or used by the application 258. The application 258 may perform a user authentication by performing one or more of the steps and/or sub-steps discussed herein.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, the mobile device 206 generally comprises a communication device 236, a processing device 238, and a memory device 240. The processing device 238 is operatively coupled to the communication device 236 and the memory device 240. In some embodiments, the processing device 238 may send or receive data from the mobile device 204, and/or the network system 208 via the communication device 236 over a network 201. As such, the communication device 236 generally comprises a modem, server, or other device for communicating with other devices on the network 201.

As further illustrated in FIG. 2, the mobile device 206 comprises computer-readable instructions 242 stored in the memory device 240, which in one embodiment includes the computer-readable instructions 242 of an application 244. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2, the application 244 allows the mobile device 206 to be linked to the network system 208 to communicate, via a network 201. The application 244 may also allow the mobile device 206 to connect directly (i.e., locally or device to device) with the mobile device 204 for proximity services (e.g., using either cellular based links or non-cellular based links). The application 244 may perform a user authentication by performing one or more of the steps and/or sub-steps discussed herein.

In some embodiments, a particular mobile device 206 may be identified by gathering device identification information from the mobile device 206 to generate the device's “fingerprint,” or unique signature of the mobile device 206. Device identification information may be collected from a variety of sources. In some embodiments, the device identification information includes an identification code. The identification code may be but is not limited to a serial number or an item number of the device. In some embodiments, the device identification information may be associated with a chip associated with the mobile device. The chip may be but is not limited to a subscriber identification module (SIM) card, removable hard drive, processor, microprocessor, or the like. In other embodiments, the device identification information may be associated with a removable part of the mobile device 206. Removable parts include but are not limited to detachable keyboards, battery covers, cases, hardware accessories, or the like. Removable parts may contain serial numbers or part numbers. In alternative embodiments, a unique key, code, or piece of software provided by a financial institution may be downloaded onto the mobile device 206. This unique key, code, or piece of software may then serve as device identification information. Typically, the device identification information (e.g., a serial number, an identification code, an International Mobile Station Equipment Identity (IMEI), a phone number, a chip, a removable part, or similar pieces of device identification information) is collected from the mobile device 206 without requiring user input. For example, the device identification information may be automatically provided by the mobile device 206. Alternatively, the mobile device 206 may provide the information without requiring user input after receiving a request from a system for the identification information. In other embodiments, device identification information may be entered manually at the mobile device 206. For example, if the mobile device's serial number cannot be automatically located (perhaps due to interference, long range, or similar hindrance), the user may be prompted for manual entry of the serial number (or an identification code, an International Mobile Station Equipment Identity (IMEI), a phone number, a chip, a removable part, or similar pieces of device identification information). The device identification information may be stored and subsequently used to identify the mobile device 206.

It is understood that the servers, systems, and devices described herein illustrate one embodiment of the invention. It is further understood that one or more of the servers, systems, and devices can be combined in other embodiments and still function in the same or similar way as the embodiments described herein.

Referring now to FIG. 3, a high level process flow is illustrated for a user authentication based on self-selected preferences. In some embodiments, the system may be configured to receive from a user, a request to execute a user action associated with an application, wherein the execution of the user action requires validation of one or more authentication credentials, as shown in block 302. Typically, the application may include one or more functions. For example, a mobile financial application may include functions such as a funds transfer, a check deposit, a balance check, a bill pay, or the like. In another example, the user action may be checking account balance, executing a money transfer, initiating a bill pay to a merchant, or the like.

In response to receiving a request from the user, the system may be configured to access a user selected preference, wherein the user selected preference comprises a level of authentication desired by the user, as shown in block 304. In response to accessing the user-selected preference, the system may be configured to determine which one or more authentication types from a plurality of authentication types are associated with the level of authentication associated with the user selected preference, as shown in block 306. As illustrated in at least FIG. 1A, the one or more authentication levels may include a hard authentication, a soft authentication, and a zero authentication. In one aspect, the authentication types may include a username, a password, a personal identification number, biometric data, or the like. In some embodiments, each authentication level may include one or more authentication types in the continuum of authentication.

In response to determining one or more authentication types, the system may be configured to request one or more authentication credentials corresponding to the determined one or more authentication types, as shown in block 308. In response to requesting one or more authentication credentials, the system may be configured to receive one or more authentication credentials from the user and validate the one or more authentication credentials, thereby resulting in a successful validation of the one or more authentication credentials, as shown in block 310. In response to successful validation of the one or more authentication credentials, the system may then be configured to execute the user action, as shown in block 312. In one aspect, a successful validation may include determining a successful match between the one or more authentication credentials received from the user and the one or more authentication credentials stored in a database, wherein the one or more authentication credentials correspond to the one or more authentication types associated with the level of authentication.

Referring now to FIG. 4, a process flow is illustrated for applying an access level associated with an authentication type to an application based on the functions permitted continuum illustrated in at least FIG. 1B. In some embodiments, the system may be configured to receive a user-selected preference associated with the one or more authentication types, as shown in block 404. In some embodiments, the one or more authentication types associated with the level of authentication may include a hard authentication, a soft authentication, and a zero authentication. In one aspect, the hard authentication is a multi-step verification of at least two authentication types, wherein verification further comprises receiving a user input of at least two authentication credentials. In some embodiments, a successful validation of at least two authentication credentials presented by the user associated with a hard authentication may enable the user to have full and complete access to all of the features/functions of the application.

In another aspect, the successful validation of at least one authentication credential presented by the user associated with a soft authentication may enable the user to gain partial access to one or more functions of the application in the function permitted continuum of FIG. 1C. For example, with the successful validation of soft authentication, the system may be configured to enable the user to gain access to functions such as “checking balance”, “viewing the past five transactions”, or the like. In yet another aspect, the zero authentication comprises restricting the user from access to the application after a predetermined number of authentication attempts to access the application. In some embodiments, the system may be configured to place a provisional flag on the application after exhaustion of a predetermined number of authentication attempts to access the application, wherein placing a provisional flag comprises notifying the user using a secondary means for contact. In one aspect, a secondary means for contact associated with the user may be at least one of a phone number, an email, a postal mail, or the like.

In one aspect, the user selected preference may include a time duration. The time duration is defined by a user selection of a first time stamp and a second time stamp. In one aspect, the first time stamp and the second time stamp may define the boundaries of application of the level of authentication. For example, the user may desire a zero authentication at specific times of the day such as a time duration associated with a commute between the user's home and the user's office to ensure safety while driving. In another aspect, the user selected preference includes a geographic location. In some embodiments, the geographic location may be a specific location or point located within a geographic radius. In one aspect, the geographic radius defines the boundary of application of the level of authentication. In one aspect, the geographic radius may be customizable. In another aspect, the geographic radius may be fixed. For example, the user may desire a soft authentication at secure locations such as the user's home and the user's office. In these secure locations, the user may choose to configure the system to provide the user with a full access to the application even with a soft authentication. In another example, the user may desire a hard authentication at locations substantially new to the user, such as a different neighborhood, a different city, a different state, or the like.

In response to receiving the user-selected preference, the system may be configured to apply the one or more authentication types to the application based on at least the user-selected preference, as shown in block 406. In response to applying the one or more authentication types to the application, the system may be configured to apply an access level based on at least the application of the one or more authentication types, as shown in block 408. For example, the system may be configured to apply a soft authentication to an application at the user's home enabling the user with full access to all the functions in the application. In another example, the system may be configured to apply a hard authentication to an application when the user is found to be in a particular geographic location. In yet another example, the system may be configured to apply a soft authentication to the application when the user-selected preference includes a time duration defined by the first time stamp and a second time stamp, when the first and second time stamp is associated with a user's travel plan. In some embodiments, the user may desire a combination of hard authentication, soft authentication, and a zero authentication in an application based on at least a geographic location, a time duration, or the like.

Referring now to FIG. 5, a process flow for self-selected user access based on specific authentication types 500 is illustrated. In some embodiments, the system may be configured to receive a user-selected preference, wherein the user-selected preference may be one or more authentication types desired by the user, as shown in block 502. In response to receiving one or more authentication types, the system may be configured to determine a level of authentication from a plurality of levels of authentication associated with the one or more authentication types associated with the user-selected preference, as shown in block 504. For example, the user may be comfortable using only the username to access a mobile application associated with a financial institution at a public place such as a stadium. In such situations, the system may be configured to determine that the authentication level associated with the username is a soft authentication. In response, the system may then be configured to initiate the presentation of a user interface that enables the user to select one or more application functions, wherein the one or more application functions are associated with the determined level of authentication, as shown in block 506. For example, the system may determine that the user may access application functions such as determining current balance, retrieving a previous statement, view help/options, read terms and conditions, view one or more stored financial institution account identifiers, or the like and initiate the presentation of a user interface to enable a user selection of one or more of the application functions. In some embodiments, the system may be configured to accept the user selection of one or more application functions. In some other embodiments, the system may not accept the user selection of one or more application functions. For example, the system may determine that the user is currently in a geographic location known to have previously been involved in multiple financial misappropriation cases. In such situations, if the user selects one or more application functions which the system has previously determined to have a higher level of authentication than that desired by the user, the system may be configured to deny the user selection of one or more application functions.

In response, the system may then receive from a user, a selection of one or more application functions, as shown in block 508. For example, the user may choose to access application functions related to current balance associated with the financial institution account with a valid username. In one aspect, the user may determine application access on a real-time basis based on at least one of a geographic location, a time duration, or the like. For example, if the user has multiple accounts with the same financial institution, the user may want to gain access to the account identifiers in a recognizable geographic location such as a user's office space defined by a geographic radius. In another example, the user may choose not to gain access to the account identifiers in a public place such as a stadium for security purposes. In another aspect, the user may choose to not have access to application functions even with valid authentication credentials associated with the determined authentication level during a particular time period determined by defined by a first time stamp and a second time stamp. For example, the user may be an online shopping enthusiast who is usually tempted to shop for products and services immediately after work and before beginning household chores. In such situations, the user may choose a particular time period for limited access to application functions in an attempt to curtail expenses and budget better. In one aspect, a user selection of one or more application functions may be selecting one or more check boxes corresponding to the one or more application functions presented to the user. In another aspect, a user selection of one or more application functions may include a selection of one or more application functions from a drop down box. In yet another aspect, a user selection of one or more application functions may include an option to save the selection. In some embodiments, the saved selection may be saved in memory to enable the user to choose the saved option directly instead of having to go through the process of selecting the one or more application functions again.

In one aspect, receiving the selection further comprises receiving a request to execute the selected one or more applications, wherein execution of user action requires validation of one or more authentication credentials. In response to receiving a user selection, the system may then be configured to execute the user action based on a successful validation of the one or more authentication credentials, as shown in block 510. In some embodiments, the system may be configured to enable the user to reset the one or more application functions selected.

Referring now to FIG. 6, an exemplary user interface 600 is illustrated in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. In some embodiments, the user interface may include an authentication type 602, an authentication level 604, one or more application functions 606, and one or more options 608. In one aspect, the system may be configured to receive a user selection of one or more authentication types from a dropdown list of authentication types 602. In response, the system may identify an authentication level from a plurality of authentication levels corresponding to the authentication type at 604. In some embodiments, the system may then provide the user with one or more application functions associated with the authentication level 604 as determined by the system based on at least the authentication type 602. The user may choose one or more authentication functions 606A by selecting one or more check boxes 606B corresponding to the one or more authentication functions 606A. In response to selecting one or more application functions, the user may then choose to either acknowledge the selection by choosing 608A, cancel the selection by choosing 608C, or reset the choices by selecting 608D. In some embodiments, the system may be configured to enable the user to save the selection for a future use/reuse by choosing option 608B.

In accordance with embodiments of the invention, the term “module” with respect to a system may refer to a hardware component of the system, a software component of the system, or a component of the system that includes both hardware and software. As used herein, a module may include one or more modules, where each module may reside in separate pieces of hardware or software.

Although many embodiments of the present invention have just been described above, the present invention may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legal requirements. Also, it will be understood that, where possible, any of the advantages, features, functions, devices, and/or operational aspects of any of the embodiments of the present invention described and/or contemplated herein may be included in any of the other embodiments of the present invention described and/or contemplated herein, and/or vice versa. In addition, where possible, any terms expressed in the singular form herein are meant to also include the plural form and/or vice versa, unless explicitly stated otherwise. Accordingly, the terms “a” and/or “an” shall mean “one or more,” even though the phrase “one or more” is also used herein. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout.

As will be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art in view of this disclosure, the present invention may include and/or be embodied as an apparatus (including, for example, a system, machine, device, computer program product, and/or the like), as a method (including, for example, a business method, computer-implemented process, and/or the like), or as any combination of the foregoing. Accordingly, embodiments of the present invention may take the form of an entirely business method embodiment, an entirely software embodiment (including firmware, resident software, micro-code, stored procedures in a database, or the like), an entirely hardware embodiment, or an embodiment combining business method, software, and hardware aspects that may generally be referred to herein as a “system.” Furthermore, embodiments of the present invention may take the form of a computer program product that includes a computer-readable storage medium having one or more computer-executable program code portions stored therein. As used herein, a processor, which may include one or more processors, may be “configured to” perform a certain function in a variety of ways, including, for example, by having one or more general-purpose circuits perform the function by executing one or more computer-executable program code portions embodied in a computer-readable medium, and/or by having one or more application-specific circuits perform the function.

It will be understood that any suitable computer-readable medium may be utilized. The computer-readable medium may include, but is not limited to, a non-transitory computer-readable medium, such as a tangible electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, and/or semiconductor system, device, and/or other apparatus. For example, in some embodiments, the non-transitory computer-readable medium includes a tangible medium such as a portable computer diskette, a hard disk, a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or Flash memory), a compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), and/or some other tangible optical and/or magnetic storage device. In other embodiments of the present invention, however, the computer-readable medium may be transitory, such as, for example, a propagation signal including computer-executable program code portions embodied therein.

One or more computer-executable program code portions for carrying out operations of the present invention may include object-oriented, scripted, and/or unscripted programming languages, such as, for example, Java, Perl, Smalltalk, C++, SAS, SQL, Python, Objective C, JavaScript, and/or the like. In some embodiments, the one or more computer-executable program code portions for carrying out operations of embodiments of the present invention are written in conventional procedural programming languages, such as the “C” programming languages and/or similar programming languages. The computer program code may alternatively or additionally be written in one or more multi-paradigm programming languages, such as, for example, F#.

Some embodiments of the present invention are described herein with reference to flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams of apparatus and/or methods. It will be understood that each block included in the flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams, and/or combinations of blocks included in the flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams, may be implemented by one or more computer-executable program code portions. These one or more computer-executable program code portions may be provided to a processor of a general purpose computer, special purpose computer, and/or some other programmable data processing apparatus in order to produce a particular machine, such that the one or more computer-executable program code portions, which execute via the processor of the computer and/or other programmable data processing apparatus, create mechanisms for implementing the steps and/or functions represented by the flowchart(s) and/or block diagram block(s).

The one or more computer-executable program code portions may be stored in a transitory and/or non-transitory computer-readable medium (e.g. a memory) that can direct, instruct, and/or cause a computer and/or other programmable data processing apparatus to function in a particular manner, such that the computer-executable program code portions stored in the computer-readable medium produce an article of manufacture including instruction mechanisms which implement the steps and/or functions specified in the flowchart(s) and/or block diagram block(s).

The one or more computer-executable program code portions may also be loaded onto a computer and/or other programmable data processing apparatus to cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer and/or other programmable apparatus. In some embodiments, this produces a computer-implemented process such that the one or more computer-executable program code portions which execute on the computer and/or other programmable apparatus provide operational steps to implement the steps specified in the flowchart(s) and/or the functions specified in the block diagram block(s). Alternatively, computer-implemented steps may be combined with, and/or replaced with, operator- and/or human-implemented steps in order to carry out an embodiment of the present invention.

While certain exemplary embodiments have been described and shown in the accompanying drawings, it is to be understood that such embodiments are merely illustrative of and not restrictive on the broad invention, and that this invention not be limited to the specific constructions and arrangements shown and described, since various other changes, combinations, omissions, modifications and substitutions, in addition to those set forth in the above paragraphs, are possible. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that various adaptations, modifications, and combinations of the just described embodiments can be configured without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. Therefore, it is to be understood that, within the scope of the appended claims, the invention may be practiced other than as specifically described herein.

To supplement the present disclosure, this application further incorporates entirely by reference the following commonly assigned patent applications:

Docket PMN Number Title Filed On Ser. No. 6015US1 014033- DETERMINING USER Feb. 7, 2014 14/175,639 002098 AUTHENTICATION REQUIREMENTS BASED ON THE CURRENT LOCATION OF THE USER IN COMPARISON TO A USERS'S TRAVEL ROUTE 6015US2 014033- DETERMINING USER Feb. 7, 2014 14/175,643 002099 AUTHENTICATION REQUIREMENTS BASED ON THE CURRENT LOCATION OF THE USER IN COMPARISON TO THE USERS'S NORMAL BOUNDARY OF LOCATION 6015US3 014033- DETERMINING USER Feb. 7, 2014 14/175,646 002100 AUTHENTICATION REQUIREMENTS BASED ON THE CURRENT LOCATION OF THE USER BEING WITHIN A PREDETERMINED AREA REQUIRING ALTERED AUTHENTICATION REQUIREMENTS 6016US1 014033- USER AUTHENTICATION Feb. 7, 2014 14/175,701 002101 BASED ON HISTORICAL TRANSACTION DATA 6017US1 014033- USER AUTHENTICATION Feb. 7, 2014 14/175,947 002102 BASED ON HISTORICAL USER BEHAVIOR 6018US1 014033- USER AUTHENTICATION BY Feb. 7, 2014 14/175,954 002103 GEO-LOCATION AND PROXIMITY TO USER'S CLOSE NETWORK 6019US1 014033- USER AUTHENTICATION Feb. 7, 2014 14/175,863 002106 BASED ON OTHER APPLICATIONS 6020US1 014033- USER AUTHENTICATION Feb. 7, 2014 14/175,615 002107 BASED ON FOB/INDICIA SCAN 6021US2 014033- SELF-SELECTED USER Feb. 7, 2014 14/175,672 002155 ACCESS BASED ON SPECIFIC AUTHENTICATION TYPES 6022US1 014033- SHUTTING DOWN ACCESS Feb. 7, 2014 14/175,136 002109 TO ALL USER ACCOUNTS 6023US1 014033- PROVIDING Feb. 7, 2014 14/175,146 002110 AUTHENTICATION USING PREVIOUSLY-VALIDATED AUTHENTICATION CREDENTIALS 6024US1 014033- DETERMINING Feb. 7, 2014 14/175,652 002111 AUTHENTICATION REQUIREMENTS ALONG A CONTINUUM BASED ON A CURRENT STATE OF THE USER AND/OR THE SERVICE REQUIRING AUTHENTICATION 6025US1 014033- SORTING MOBILE BANKING Feb. 7, 2014 14/175,956 002126 FUNCTIONS INTO AUTHENTICATION BUCKETS 6025US2 014033- AUTHENTICATION LEVEL OF Feb. 7, 2014 14/175,962 002127 FUNCTION BUCKET BASED ON CIRCUMSTANCES 6034US1 014033- REMOTE REVOCATION OF Feb. 7, 2014 14/175,771 002115 APPLICATION ACCESS BASED ON LOST OR MISAPPROPRIATED CARD 6034US2 014033- REVOCATION OF Feb. 7, 2014 14/175,786 002116 APPLICATION ACCESS BASED ON NON-CO- LOCATED 

What is claimed is:
 1. A computer program product for user authentication based on self-selected preferences, the computer program product comprising a non-transitory computer-readable medium comprising code causing a first apparatus to: receive a request to execute a user action from a user associated with an application, wherein the user action requires validation of one or more authentication credentials; access a user-selected preference indicating a level of authentication associated with a user-selected preference predefined by the user, wherein the user-selected preference comprises a time duration, a geographic location, and one or more features associated with the application, wherein the time duration is scheduled dynamically; determine one or more authentication types from a plurality of authentication types associated with the level of authentication and the user-selected preference, wherein the one or more authentication types comprises at least one of a hard authentication, a soft authentication, and a zero authentication, wherein the hard authentication is a multi-step verification requiring a user presentation of at least two authentication credentials, wherein the soft authentication is a secondary verification requiring a user presentation of at least one authentication credential associated with the authentication types, wherein zero authentication requires no authentication credentials; determine that at least one of the user-selected preferences are satisfied by the user; request one or more authentication credentials corresponding to the determined one or more authentication types based on at least determining that at least one of the user-selected preferences are satisfied; receive one or more authentication credentials from the user; validate the one or more authentication credentials, thereby resulting in a successful validation of the one or more authentication credentials; and in response to the successful validation of the one or more authentication credentials, execute the user action, wherein executing the user action further comprises enabling the user to access one or more features associated with the application, wherein the one or more features are pre-selected by the user based on the user-selected preferences.
 2. The computer program product of claim 1, wherein receiving one or more authentication credentials from the user comprises receiving hard authentication and enabling the user with full access to the application.
 3. The computer program product of claim 1, wherein the authentication factor associated with the multi-step verification is at least one of a username, a password, a personal identification number, or a biometric indicia.
 4. The computer program product of claim 1, wherein receiving one or more authentication credentials from the user comprises receiving soft authentication and enabling the user with partial access to the application, wherein partial access comprises access to one or more specific features of the application.
 5. The computer program product of claim 1, wherein the user-selected preference comprises a user selection of the one or more features associated with the partial access to the application.
 6. The computer program product of claim 1, wherein the at least one authentication factor associated with the secondary verification comprises at least one of a social media authentication, an internet protocol (IP) based authentication, a fob, or a signed digital certificate.
 7. The computer program product of claim 1, wherein the zero authentication comprises restricting the user from access to the application after a predetermined number of authentication attempts to access the application.
 8. The computer program product of claim 1, wherein the code is further configured to cause the processor to place a provisional flag on the application after exhaustion of a predetermined number of authentication attempts to access the application, wherein placing a provisional flag comprises notifying the user using a secondary means for contact.
 9. The computer program product of claim 1, wherein receiving one or more authentication credentials comprises receiving an input from the user.
 10. The computer program product of claim 1, wherein the application is associated with a financial institution.
 11. The computer program product of claim 1, wherein the user action comprises at least one of a funds transfer, viewing an account summary, a deposit, a withdrawal, or viewing a receipt.
 12. A method for user authentication based on self-selected preferences, the method comprising: receiving, using a computing device processor, a request to execute a user action from a user associated with an application, wherein the user action requires validation of one or more authentication credentials; accessing, using a computing device processor, a user-selected preference indicating a level of authentication associated with a user-selected preference predefined by the user, wherein the user-selected preference comprises a time duration, a geographic location, and one or more features associated with the application, wherein the time duration is scheduled dynamically; determining, using a computing device processor, one or more authentication types from a plurality of authentication types associated with the level of authentication and the user-selected preference, wherein the one or more authentication types comprises at least one of a hard authentication, a soft authentication, and a zero authentication, wherein the hard authentication is a multi-step verification requiring a user presentation of at least two authentication credentials, wherein the soft authentication is a secondary verification requiring a user presentation of at least one authentication credential associated with the authentication types, wherein zero authentication requires no authentication credentials; determining, using a computing device processor, that at least one of the user-selected preferences are satisfied by the user; requesting, using a computing device processor, one or more authentication credentials corresponding to the determined one or more authentication types based on at least determining that at least one of the user-selected preferences are satisfied; receiving, using a computing device processor, one or more authentication credentials from the user; validating, using a computing device processor, the one or more authentication credentials, thereby resulting in a successful validation of the one or more authentication credentials; and in response to the successful validation of the one or more authentication credentials, executing, using a computing device processor, the user action, wherein executing the user action further comprises enabling the user to access the one or more features associated with the application, wherein the one or more features are pre-selected by the user based on the user-selected preferences.
 13. The method of claim 12, wherein receiving one or more authentication credentials from the user comprises receiving hard authentication and enabling the user with full access to the application.
 14. The method of claim 12, wherein the authentication factor associated with the multi-step verification is at least one of a username, a password, a personal identification number, or a biometric indicia.
 15. The method of claim 12, wherein receiving one or more authentication credentials from the user comprises receiving soft authentication and enabling the user with partial access to the application, wherein partial access comprises access to one or more specific features of the application.
 16. The method of claim 12, wherein the user-selected preference comprises a user selection of the one or more features associated with the partial access to the application.
 17. The method of claim 12, wherein the at least one authentication factor associated with the secondary verification comprises at least one of a social media authentication, an internet protocol (IP) based authentication, a fob, or a signed digital certificate.
 18. The method of claim 12, wherein the zero authentication comprises restricting the user from access to the application after a predetermined number of authentication attempts to access the application.
 19. The method of claim 12, wherein the code is further configured to cause the processor to place a provisional flag on the application after exhaustion of a predetermined number of authentication attempts to access the application, wherein placing a provisional flag comprises notifying the user using a secondary means for contact.
 20. The method of claim 12, wherein receiving one or more authentication credentials comprises receiving an input from the user.
 21. The method of claim 12, wherein the application is associated with a financial institution.
 22. The method of claim 12, wherein the user action comprises at least one of a funds transfer, viewing an account summary, a deposit, a withdrawal, or viewing a receipt. 